To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with National Grid Transco about the maintenance of the network, following the power cuts in August; and if she will make a statement. [134044]

[holding answer 23 October 2003]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has not personally spoken with National Grid Transco on this issue—however she is being kept fully appraised of developments. I have spoken on a number of occasions with the CEO of NGT concerning the August power cuts.To ensure that all the facts have been assembled about these incidents, and that the appropriate lessons learnt for the future, the Government in conjunction with the Regulator—Ofgem, commissioned a report employing independent consultants. DTI's Engineering Inspectorate is also investigating the circumstances around the power interruptions.